Abstract: The present invention provides methods for facilitating cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient prior to a diagnostic, surgical or therapeutic procedure. The methods can improve patient compliance, and thus, efficacy of the preparation. Specifically, the present methods make the gastrointestinal tract preparation composition palatable for the patient to consume. For example, for a patient preparing to undergo colonoscopy, the present methods make the bowel preparation solution taste significantly less salty.

Abstract: The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 2000 mmol per litre ascorbate anion provided by ascorbic acid, one or more salts of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof; and h) 10 to 200 g per litre polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods and kits associated with, or making use of the solutions. The invention also provides a method of cleansing the colon of a subject comprising: —administering to the subject an effect amount of a first cleansing solution; and then after a time interval—administering to the subject an effective amount of a second cleansing solution, wherein the two cleansing solutions are as described in the specification.

Abstract: Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of psoriasis are disclosed. Preferred compounds have demonstrated efficacy in reducing skin scaling, erythema and skin thickness in the mouse model of Aldara-induced psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for facilitating cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient prior to a diagnostic, surgical or therapeutic procedure. The methods can improve patient compliance, and thus, efficacy of the preparation. Specifically, the present methods make the gastrointestinal tract preparation composition palatable for the patient to consume. For example, for a patient preparing to undergo colonoscopy, the present methods make the bowel preparation solution taste significantly less salty.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating diarrhea, both chronic or acute forms, by the administration of a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for CGRP. In particular the methods prevent or reduce diarrhea in conditions or treatments resulting in elevated CGRP levels, e.g., in the GI tract (colon) that are associated with diarrhea and/or improper electrolyte and fluid excretion from the bowel or urinary system. More specifically, this invention relates to treatments using the anti-CGRP antibodies and fragments described herein, and binding fragments thereof.

Abstract: A bone filling composition includes a bone filler. The bone filler includes microparticles of at least one elastomeric material. The at least one elastomeric material includes a poly(glycerol sebacate)-based thermoset. The poly(glycerol sebacate)-based thermoset may be porous thermoset poly(glycerol sebacate) flour, thermoset poly(glycerol sebacate) microspheres, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bone filling composition is a bone filling composite that further includes a carrier material including a poly(glycerol sebacate) resin. A method of forming a bone filling composite includes selecting a bone filler and mixing the bone filler with a carrier material to form the bone filling composite. A method of treating a bony defect includes molding a bone filling composite and placing the bone filling composite in the bony defect. The bone filling composite includes a bone filler mixed with a carrier material.

Abstract: The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 2000 mmol per litre ascorbate anion provided by ascorbic acid, one or more salts of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof; and b) 10 to 200 g per litre polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods and kits associated with, or making use of the solutions. The invention also provides a method of cleansing the colon of a subject comprising: —administering to the subject an effect amount of a first cleansing solution; and then after a time interval—administering to the subject an effective amount of a second cleansing solution, wherein the two cleansing solutions are as described in the specification.

Abstract: The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 2000 mmol per litre ascorbate anion provided by ascorbic acid, one or more salts of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof; and b) 10 to 200 g per litre polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods and kits associated with, or making use of the solutions. The invention also provides a method of cleansing the colon of a subject comprising: —administering to the subject an effect amount of a first cleansing solution; and then after a time interval —administering to the subject an effective amount of a second cleansing solution, wherein the two cleansing solutions are as described in the specification.

Abstract: A multilayer microencapsulated lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria, preferably bacteria with probiotic activity, and the use thereof to prepare a food product, supplement product, medical device or pharmaceutical composition or water- and/or fruit-based beverage are described. A process for preparing multilayer microencapsulated lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria, preferably bacteria with probiotic activity is described. A food product is described selected from water, water- and/or fruit-based beverages, milk, fresh whole milk, partially skimmed milk, powdered milk, cheese, fresh cheese, aged cheese, grated cheese, butter, margarine, yogurt, cream, milk- and chocolate-based custards, custards for sweets, jams and oily suspensions having bacteria, preferably multilayer microencapsulated lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria with probiotic activity.

Abstract: The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to oral, therapeutically effective modified release pharmaceutical compositions of (?)-17-(cyclobutylmethyl)morphinan-3,14-diol and it pharmaceutically acceptable salts and the use thereof, including delayed onset and extended release dosage forms. The present invention is also directed at modified release dosage forms of oral (?)-17-(cyclobutylmethyl)morphinan-3,14-dial which provide robust efficacy and reduced potential for abuse and misuse.

Abstract: As a polymerization solvent for use in the polymerization of monomers for a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte polymer, a mixed solvent containing a first solvent, such as dimethyl acetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or dimethyl sulfoxide, and an alcohol as a second solvent is used instead of a dimethyl acetamide/toluene mixture or dimethyl acetamide alone according to the related art. By using the mixed solvent, it is possible to obtain a molecular weight of polymer equal to or higher than the molecular weight of polymer obtained from the method according to the related art, even when the reaction time is reduced. Therefore, the disclosed method and polymerization solvent is very useful for a mass production of a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new combination of hyaluronic acid and macrogol, pharmaceutical compositions containing said combination and the use of the combination and compositions as laxatives.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to non-invasive methods and compositions for collecting detecting, measuring, and identifying target molecules. In some embodiments, methods and compositions relate to target molecules in gastrointestinal lavage fluid or feces.

Abstract: A monomer having formula (I): wherein in formula (I), groups and variables are the same as described in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a spiro quaternary ammonium salt comprising reacting a cyclic secondary amine with a dihaloalkane in the presence of a basic resin. According to the preparation method of the present invention, a metal salt and halide ion are removed by filtration without any additional purification process, the spiro ammonium derivative compound can be obtained with high yield, and the resin can be reused through a simple treatment process.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a composition comprising a polymer and one or more chelators covalently coupled to polymer, wherein the one or more chelators has a benzene ring with more than one hydroxyl group at any position that is free, or a derivative of the chelator, or a salt of the chelator and methods of use.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a composition comprising a polymer and one or more chelators covalently coupled to polymer, wherein the one or more chelators has a benzene ring with more than one hydroxyl group at any position that is free, or a derivative of the chelator, or a salt of the chelator and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly palatable colon cleansing formulation that utilizes a low chloride electrolyte-replenishing base solution. When formulated with polyethylene glycol and a selected sugar alcohol, the formulation offers the advantages of superior palatability without undesirable concomitant side effects or a decrease in cleansing efficacy.

Abstract: The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 800 mmol per liter ascorbate anion provided by a mixture of: (i) ascorbic acid and (ii) one or more salts of ascorbic acid the components (i) and (ii) being present in a molar ratio of from 1:4.5 to 1:7.0; and b) 10 to 200 g per liter polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods an kits associated with, or making use of the solutions, and compositions for the preparation of the solutions.

Abstract: There is provided a complex comprising rifaximin and a complexing agent, wherein the complexing agent is a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) or a cyclodextrin. There is also provided a process for preparing the complex, a pharmaceutical composition including the complex and therapeutic uses of the complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides, compositions, devices; and methods for affecting, among other things, weight loss and/or weight control, by sequestering nutrients or other compounds such as toxins from absorption in the digestive tract. The compositions, devices, and methods employ one or more members made of a compressible, absorbent matrix material. In various embodiments, the matrix material is suitable for routine use. The compressible absorbent matrix material has a size, shape and/or geometry configured for efficient packing into a small space, and/or configured to absorb and substantially retain digested material in the stomach. The devices and compositions may further comprise one or more hydrogel(s), soluble or insoluble fibers, waxes and/or gums to provide the desired mechanical properties and/or absorptive or shielding properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising carbon-based diazeniumdiolates attached to hydrophobic polymers that releases nitric oxide (NO). The carbon-based diazeniumdiolated polymers release NO spontaneously under physiological conditions without subsequence nitrosamine formation. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing the carbon-based diazeniumdiolated polymers, compositions comprising such polymers, methods of using such compositions, and devices employing such polymer compositions.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a polymeric binder including a high molecular weight synthetic polymer having a backbone constituted of non hydrolysable covalent bonds, said polymer being able to form electrostatic bonds at a pH lower than the isoelectric point of gluten and peptides derived from the degradation of gluten, and being able to bind to gluten or peptides derived from the degradation of gluten in the gastrointestinal tract, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of using the polymeric binder for binding gluten or a peptide derived from the degradation of gluten, for decreasing the degradation of gluten into toxic peptides or for decreasing interaction of gluten or peptides derived from the degradation of gluten with the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, and compositions, useful for treating dyslipidemia.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a polymeric binder including a high molecular weight synthetic polymer having a backbone constituted of non hydrolysable covalent bonds, said polymer being able to form electrostatic bonds at a pH lower than the isoelectric point of gluten and peptides derived from the degradation of gluten, and being able to bind to gluten or peptides derived from the degradation of gluten in the gastrointestinal tract, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of using the polymeric binder for binding gluten or a peptide derived from the degradation of gluten, for decreasing the degradation of gluten into toxic peptides or for decreasing interaction of gluten or peptides derived from the degradation of gluten with the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Abstract: Provided are ingestible polymeric formulations and oral dosage forms for the reduction of gastric volume in the treatment of overweight and obese patients. The formulation includes an acid-sensitive, gelatin coating over a dehydrated hydrophilic polymer. When ingested, the acid-sensitive coating is quickly dissolved by gastric secretions and the hydrophilic polymer is exposed to the aqueous environment of the gastric milieu. The polymer absorbs water and expands to the point that will not allow the polymer to pass beyond the pyloric valve, and the expanded polymer is therefore trapped in the stomach.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases diabetes are disclosed. Methods of modulating elevated fructosamine levels, elevated HbA1c levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glucose are also disclosed. In some embodiments, methods include co-administration of a biguanide and a bile acid sequestrant. Drug products including a biguanide and bile acid sequestrants in combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly palatable colon cleansing formulation that utilizes a low chloride electrolyte-replenishing base solution. When formulated with polyethylene glycol and a selected sugar alcohol, the formulation offers the advantages of superior palatability without undesirable concomitant side effects or a decrease in cleansing efficacy.

Abstract: Therapeutic peptides having guanylyl cyclase C agonist activity are disclosed. The therapeutic peptides are analogues of the E. coli STa peptide with non-natural amino acid, isosteric or D-amino acid substituents. The therapeutic peptides are useful in the treatment of chronic ideopathic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and other diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the therapeutic peptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decreasing borborygmi in a subject by administering a probiotic, preferably a bacteria of the Bifidobacterium genus, said method being on one aspect of the invention a non therapeutic method.

Abstract: Orally administrable polymer-carrying units for expanding in a stomach of a mammal to fill a space in the stomach, the polymer-carrying units including: a carrier; a plurality of polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions, releasably coupled to the carrier; and means for selectively decoupling the polymer molecules from the carrier so that the polymer molecules and carrier are released in the stomach, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising potassium binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hyperkalemia, such as hyperkalemia caused by renal failure and/or the use of hyperkalemia causing drugs.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for and of treating, ameliorating or preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG block-copolymer such as Pluronic® F68. Compositions for use in treating, ameliorating and/or preventing CRC comprising PEG are also disclosed. Such compositions may be used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer-agent conjugates and particles, which can be used, for example, in the treatment of cancer. Also described herein are mixtures, compositions and dosage forms containing the particles, methods of using the particles (e.g., to treat a disorder), kits including the polymer-agent conjugates and particles, methods of making the polymer-agent conjugates and particles, methods of storing the particles and methods of analyzing the particles.

Abstract: The subject invention is a method and material for removing fluid from the intestinal tract of a host and may be useful in treating animals or human patients suffering from fluid overload states. In one embodiment, the subject method involves ingesting an enterically coated non-systemic, non-toxic, non-digestible, water absorbing polymer which absorbs fluid while passing through the intestinal tract. The polymer is excreted in the feces wherein the polymer and absorbed fluid is removed from the body. Preferred polymers include super absorbent acrylic acid polymers, preferably provided in bead form. The polymers may include functional groups for selectively removing blood borne waste products, e.g. urea, from the G.I. tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides crosslinked amine polymers effective for binding and removing bile salts from the gastrointestinal tract. These bile acid binding polymers or pharmaceutical compositions thereof can be administered to subjects to treat various conditions, including hypercholesteremia, diabetes, pruritus, irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea (IBS-D), bile acid malabsorption, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating intestinal fluid balance disorders and modulating intestinal fluid secretion and absorption using calcimimetics and calcilytics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods for treating or preventing metabolic syndromes. The methods generally include administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of at least one antidiabetic agent, at least one proton pump inhibitor and at least one bile acid sequestrant, and, optionally, at least one active agent, including, but not limited to, dyslipidemia agents, histamine H2 receptor blockers, antacids, ?-aminobutyricacid-b (GABA-B) agonists, prodrugs of GABA-B agonists, protease inhibitors and combinations of two or more thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods for treating or preventing GI tract disorders and/or GERD-related respiratory disorders as well as protecting stratified squamous epithelium against injury by a noxious substance. The methods generally include administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one bile acid sequestrant, alone or in combination with at least one proton pump inhibitor, and optionally one or more agent chosen from antacids, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, ?-aminobutyricacid-b (GABA-B) agonists, prodrugs of GABA-B agonists, and protease inhibitors.

Abstract: A composite enterosorbent has a substrate in the form of a sorbent based on hydrogel of polymethylsiloxane. For the purpose of complex normalization of the intestinal microflora it further comprises a polysaccharide selected from the group including lactulose, inulin, fructooligosaccharides, alginic acid in the form of its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acacia, pectin, chitosan, lignin. Respectively, the preparation comprises 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of polysaccharides per 1 part by weight of hydrogel of polymethylsiloxane.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases diabetes are disclosed. Methods of modulating elevated fructosamine levels, elevated HbA1c levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glucose are also disclosed. In some embodiments, methods include co-administration of a biguanide and a bile acid sequestrant. Drug products including a biguanide and bile acid sequestrants in combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral formulations comprising an active agent comprising at least one of 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid, salts of 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid or buffered 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid.

Abstract: A novel process of manufacturing sevelamer carbonate from a polyallylamine carbonate or bicarbonate chloride salt. Process for manufacture of carbonate and/or bicarbonate salts of water insoluble polymers containing amino groups that are useful as anion binders in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The process arranges the polyallylamine chain in a solution in such a way that the cross-linking reaction with epichlorohydrin can be controlled at a desired reaction rate.

Abstract: To control cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation post-operatively, various non-ablative agents include polymers, fibroblasts, neurotoxins, and growth factors are introduced into one or more cardiac fat pads into the atrioventricular nodal fat pad in proximity to the autonomic ganglia therein. Any desired technique may be used for introducing the agent, including injection. The sinoatrial nodal fat pad target site and the atrioventricular nodal fat pad target site are identified using a stimulator, which may have electrodes coupled thereto or which may coupled to electrodes built into a delivery system.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices that comprise an iodinated polymer and that can be viewed using X-Ray imaging techniques. The invention also provides novel iodinated polymers that can be incorporated into or coated on medical devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapid bowel cleansing which includes the use of a mixture of polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate(s). The method is particularly useful for preparing the bowel prior to surgery or diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies. The invention further comprises methods for cleansing the bowel using these compositions, and bowel cleansing kits comprising these compositions.